“A great American life”

In recent years, (New York) Daily News columnist Mike Lupica has been a fierce critic of former President George W. Bush. It turns out, though, that Mr. Lupica has a far more favorable view of Mr. Bush’s father, former President George H. W. Bush. With the 41st president in a Houston hospital fighting off bronchitis (from which he is expected to recover), Mr. Lupica has penned a very nice piece declaring that the elder Mr. Bush has lived “a great American life.”

Mr. Lupica said Mr. Bush, unlike many contemporary politicians on both sides of the aisle, is possessed of grace, and this was the trademark of his presidency. He added that today’s politicos can learn a lot by looking back on how Mr. Bush conducted himself in office. (Of course, Mr. Lupica got in a few pointed digs at Mr. Bush’s party, saying, “There really is no place for him in the current Republican Party. Bush the elder isn’t nearly mean or stubborn enough.”)

By the same vein, Mr. Lupica praised Mr. Bush’s post-presidential charity work with former President Bill Clinton, who defeated Mr. Bush when he ran for re-election in 1992. The Bush/Clinton team’s work was widely praised, and Mr. Lupica suggested President Obama and congressional Republicans could learn a thing or two about working together from reviewing how “41” and “42” went about their collaborative efforts.

Mr. Lupica also cited Mr. Bush’s service as a Navy bomber pilot in World War II and argued that his decision to leave Saddam Hussein in power in 1991 personified foreign-affairs wisdom. Mr. Lupica’s conclusion was quite moving. He wrote, “Pray for him (Mr. Bush) to get well soon. The country needs him as much as it ever did.”

About the author

Matt Stevens - Editorial writer. Matt joined the Republican-American in October 2010. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2009 with a B.A., majoring in political science and minoring in criminal justice. He also earned an M.A. in print journalism and public affairs from American University in 2010. While in graduate school, Matt interned for the Washington, D.C., trade journal CEO Update. He received a 2014 Excellence in Journalism award from the Connecticut chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Email: mstevens@rep-am.com
Phone: (203) 574-3636 ext. 1490